Lake Nicaragua | lake, Nicaragua | Britannica.com Lake Nicaragua Alternative Titles: Cocibolca, Lago de Nicaragua, Mar Dulce Related Topics Nicaragua Lake Nicaragua, Spanish Lago de Nicaragua, the largest of several freshwater lakes in southwestern Nicaragua and the dominant physical feature of the country. It is also the largest lake in Central America . Its indigenous name is Cocibolca, and the Spanish called it Mar Dulce—both terms meaning “sweet sea.” Its present name is said to have been derived from that of Nicarao, an Indian chief whose people lived on the lake’s shores. Asososca Lagoon, Lake Nicaragua, with oil refinery in the background, Nicaragua Byron Augustin—DDB Stock Photo Geography Oval in shape, with an area of 3,149 square miles (8,157 square km), the lake is 110 miles (177 km) in length and has an average width of 36 miles (58 km). It is about 60 feet (18 metres) deep in the centre, and its waters reach a depth of 200 feet (60 metres) to the southeast of its largest island, Ometepe .

The lake’s surface is 95 feet (29 metres) above sea level. Momotombo Volcano (left) and Momotombito Island, viewed across Lake Managua, Nicaragua. Byron Augustin/D. Donne Bryant Stock It is believed that Lake Nicaragua, together with Lake Managua to the northwest, originally formed part of an ocean bay that, as a result of volcanic eruption, became an inland basin containing the two lakes, which are linked by the Tipitapa River. The ocean fish thus trapped adapted themselves as the salt water gradually turned fresh. Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake containing oceanic animal life, including sharks, swordfish, and tarpon. More than 40 rivers drain into the lake, the largest being the Tipitapa River. The San Juan River drains out of the lake, following a 112-mile (180-km) course that runs from the southeastern shore of the lake through a densely forested region to empty into the Caribbean Sea . For part of its course, the San Juan forms the boundary between Nicaragua and Costa Rica .

To the southwest, the lake is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a narrow land corridor, the Rivas Isthmus, which is 12 miles (19 km) wide. Similar Topics Lake Michigan Contrary to popular belief, the lake is tideless, although there is a daily fluctuation in the water level caused by east winds blowing up the San Juan valley. The water level also falls during the dry season, December to April, and rises during the rainy season, May to October. There are several currents in the lake; the principal one runs from southeast to northeast on the surface, while beneath it a deeper current flows in the opposite direction. Surface water temperature usually remains in the mid-70s F (about 24 °C), and bottom temperature stays in the low 60s F (about 16 °C). Due to the chemical composition of the volcanic rocks forming parts of the lake’s bed and shores, the lake waters contain high proportions of dissolved magnesium and potassium salts. There are more than 400 islands in the lake, 300 of which are within 5 miles (8 km) of the city of Granada on the northwest shore.

Most of the islands are covered with a rich growth of vegetation, which includes tropical fruit trees. Some of the islands are inhabited. Ometepe is 16 miles (26 km) long and 8 miles (13 km) wide. It is formed of what originally were two separate volcanoes— Concepción , which is 5,282 feet (1,610 metres) high and last erupted in 1983, and Madera , which is 4,573 feet (1,394 metres) high. Lava from bygone eruptions forms a bridge between them, called the Tistian Isthmus. A third volcano associated with the lake is Mombacho, about 4,430 feet (1,350 metres) high, which stands on the western shore. Ometepe Island is the preeminent site in Nicaragua for pre-Columbian examples of statuary, ceramics, and other archaeological remains, some of which are believed to represent vestiges of ancient South American, as well as North American, civilizations. Concepción Volcano, southwestern Nicaragua. Ringling Bros.

Folds Its Tent In previous centuries, piratical raids from the Caribbean were sometimes made on the lakeside towns, until the building of fortifications in the 17th century on the San Juan River blocked the pirates’ ingress. From the time of the ending of Spanish rule in the 1820s, the possibility of constructing a canal across Nicaragua from the Atlantic to the Pacific—a route that would run up the San Juan River, cross the lake, and be completed by a channel dug through the Rivas Isthmus—has been mooted. After the discovery of gold in California in 1848, Cornelius Vanderbilt , the New York millionaire, developed the Vanderbilt Road—a route over which gold prospectors from New York were transported up the river and over the lake, completing the final few miles to the Pacific by stagecoach in order to take ship to San Francisco . The arrangement revived interest—which lasted for many years—in the possibilities of a trans-Nicaragua canal. After the completion of the Panama Canal in 1914, interest in the project once more subsided.

Nevertheless, by the provisions of the Bryan-Chamorro Treaty (1914), concluded between Nicaragua and the United States , the United States had the exclusive right to build such a canal until 1970, when the treaty was abrogated . Map of Lake Nicaragua (c. 1900), from the 10th edition of Encyclopædia … Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Lake Managua, Nicaragua Vacation Info - Lakelubbers Larger Map Deep blue lagoons, rumbling volcanos, a bustling city and the pull of the ocean not far from the shores of Nicaragua's Lake Managua are what make this lake one adventure after another. Also known as Lake Xolotlan or Lago de Managua, it is the second largest lake in Nicaragua, its surface area reaching across 253,035 acres. Travelers come for both the city's bright lights and the wild tropical forests surrounding this large body of water. Set within a rift valley known for its volcanic activity, which in turn is used for geothermal energy, Lake Managua sits about 128 feet above sea level and a few miles from the Pacific Ocean.

Water levels rise and fall due to evaporation; the lake's maximum depth reaches 65 feet while it has an average depth of 31 feet. Numerous and scattered streams feed into the lake while its output is drained by the Tipitapa River at its southeastern shore. This water then flows into Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. The fish in Lake Managua are similar to those found in Lake Nicaragua, including rainbow fish, bass, trout, and mahi mahi. Sharks, which inhabit the latter lake, are not found in Lake Managua. However, consuming fish and swimming within the lake are not recommended, as there have been high levels of mercury and other contaminants found in its depths. Attempts to decontaminate the lake have begun. Lake Managua grew nearly 20,000 acres from 2010-2012, forcing the relocation of a thousand families. That growth is attributed by the government to 14 years of increased rainfall in the catchment basin that includes Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua.

Lakeside vacation rentals and real estate opportunities abound at Lake Managua, where its proximity to Nicaragua's capital, Mangagua, along its southern tip, makes for easy access to the area's activities. Over one million people inhabit the city, which flourishes throughout the year with its warm climate. The city is steeped in history and sites are easy to visit during the daytime -- check out the Musuem of Acahualinca, where 2,100-year-old footprints of early inhabitants were preserved in volcanic mud. The Old Cathedral of Managua is also a frequently visited site, though due to earthquakes which damaged its structure in the 1970s, the building's beauty can only be viewed from the outside. Outside the city limits and surrounding Lake Managua's shoreline are deep, exotic tropical forests. Along the lake's northwestern edge rests Momotombo Volcano, which reaches up to a 4,200-foot elevation. Scattered a bit further away from Managua, but still within city limits, are four lagoons.

The Asososca Lagoon is the city's main drinking water, so access is restricted, but canopy tours -- or ziplining across the forest at adrenaline-racing speeds -- are given at one of the most popular lagoons known as Tiscapa Lagoon. Other lagoons are hidden and can only be found by hiking trails. While exploring the forests surrounding Lake Managua, keep your binoculars handy for viewing exotic wildlife. The Montibelli Nature Reserve offers hiking trails ranging in length and difficulty level that give visitors access to tropical sights. Birds species range from flighty hummingbirds to parrots, hawks, and the country's national bird, the motmot. Howler monkeys can be heard in the distance during these treks, while bats, deer, squirrels and snakes make quieter paths through this habitat. Whether you're looking for a quiet, tropical escape along the more scenic sections of Lake Managua or a festive weekend in the city, the area will not disappoint. Spend the evening exploring a brightly-lit night club or attending an emotion-evoking ballet at the National Theater.

For quieter types, take in the lush landscapes from your lakeside vacation rental and listen to a different opera, that of the night's visitors coming awake. Check out what this superb area has to offer. Copyright © 2007-2017 Lakelubbers LLC. All Rights Reserved. Please LINK to our homepage or to this Lake Managua page. Lake Nicaragua Map and Map of Lake Nicaragua Size Depth History Information Page LAKE NICARAGUA Lake Nicaragua Map and Map of Lake Nicaragua Size Depth History Information Page Lake Nicaragua (Lago Nicaragua) is about 99 miles (160 km) in length, with a max width of 45 miles (72 km). Archaeologists feel that it was once a large bay along the Pacific Ocean , and volcanic eruptions over long periods of time filled in the land with lava. This huge body of water, the second largest lake in Latin America behind ( Lake Titicaca ) is home to freshwater sharks, and a long list of seemingly out-of-place aquatic animals - thought trapped here by lava flow that blocked access to the Caribbean Sea and/or Pacific Ocean.

The navigable San Juan River connects the lake to the Caribbean Sea, and that river was long considered an option to the Panama Canal , a route that could offer much-more convenient access to the Pacific Ocean. Lake Nicaragua has hundreds of islands, including an archipelago of over 350 tiny islets near the port city of Granada. The lake's largest islands include Ometepe, actually formed by the lava flow of two volcanoes; Conception is still active while Maderas is dormant; beautiful Zapatera Island, and further to the south, the thirty-some islands of the Solentiname archipelago. Dozens of small rivers drain into the lake, and it's connected to Lake Managua by the Tipitapa River. Facts and Figures About Nicaragua in Central America By Kirsten Hubbard A selection of facts about Nicaragua! Managua, Nicaragua's capital city, is the second-largest city in Central America (after Guatemala City0. It's home to 25 percent of the country's population. Nicaragua boasts the two largest lakes in Central America: Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua (which is the second-largest lake in the Americans, after Peru's Lake Titcaca).

Lake Nicaragua is home to the Lake Nicaragua shark -- the world's only freshwater shark – which mystified scientists for decades. Originally thought to be an endemic species, in the 1960s scientists realized Lake Nicaragua sharks were bull sharks who leaped San Juan River rapids inland from the Caribbean Sea. The southwest shore of Lake Nicaragua lies just 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean at its shortest point. In the early 1900s, plans were made to create the Nicaragua Canal through the Isthmus of Rivas, therefore linking the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean through the canal, lake and the San Juan River. continue reading below our video Tipping Etiquette Around the World Instead, the Panama Canal was built. However, plans to create the Nicaragua Canal are discussed to this day. Ometepe, an island formed by twin volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua, is the largest volcanic island in a freshwater lake in the world. Tourism is still relatively new to Nicaragua. But over the last seven years, Nicaragua has seen a 70 percent increase in tourism – which now represents the country's second-largest industry. Poverty is a huge problem in Nicaragua.

In fact, Nicaragua is the second-poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, after Haiti. According to the Human Development Index, Nicaragua's per-capita income is approximately $2,430, and forty-eight percent of the country's population lives below the poverty line. Nicaragua is the first country in the Americas to adopt polymer banknotes for its currency (the Nicaraguan cordoba ). The origin of the name "Nicaragua" is uncertain. Some say it's a term from the Aztec Nahuatl language, referring to the Isthmus of Rivas. Others say it means "sweet sea" in a different indigenous language. The term might also have been devised by Spanish conquistadors, who combined the name Nicarao – chief of an indigenous tribe – and agua, the Spanish word for water. Nicaragua is the heart of Central America's volcanic region. There are forty volcanoes in Nicaragua , a number of which are still active. Although the country's history of volcanic activity has resulted in lush vegetation and high-quality soil for agriculture, volcanoes and earthquakes have caused severe damage to areas of the country in the past, including Managua. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America.

It's approximately the same size as the U.S. state of Alabama. Christopher Columbus explored the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua during his fourth and final voyage to the Americas. Nicaragua's large colonial cities of León (the "León liberals") and Granada (the "Granada conservatives") have a rivalry dating back to the 1500s. The prominence of Managua has diffused it somewhat, but some tensions still remain. The waves of San Juan del Sur have been ranked as some of the best for surfing in the world. In the mid-1800s, an American named William Walker took over Nicaragua and declared himself president. His rule only lasted one year, after which he was defeated by a coalition of Central American armies and executed by the Honduran government. He did plenty of damage, however; many colonial relics in Granada still bear scorch marks from his retreat, when his troops set the city ablaze. Although soccer (fútbol locally) is the most popular sport in Latin America, Nicaraguans are crazy about baseball.

There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nicaragua : the León Cathedral, which is the largest cathedral in Central America; and the ruins of León Viejo, built in 1524 and abandoned in 1610 in fears of the nearby volcano Momotombo erupting. Bluefields – a village on Nicaragua's Caribbean coast – was named by a Dutch pirate, who hid offshore in the early 17th century. Managua | national capital, Nicaragua | Britannica.com national capital, Nicaragua Ocotal Managua, city, capital of Nicaragua , lying amid small crater lakes on the southern shore of Lake Managua . One of Central America’s warmest capitals, the city is only 163 feet (50 metres) above sea level. Throughout the Spanish colonial period, Managua was recognized only as an Indian town, outranked by the relatively nearby Spanish cities of León and Granada . Its choice as a permanent capital in 1857 came after partisans of those two rival cities had exhausted themselves in internecine conflict. Much of Managua was rebuilt after 1931, when it was ravaged by earthquake and fire.

After another disastrous earthquake in 1972, the business section was rebuilt 6 miles (10 km) away (to the south and west) from the former city centre. In 1978–79 it was the scene of general strikes against the government of Anastasio Somoza Debayle and of heavy fighting, particularly in the slum areas held by Sandinista rebels. Notable landmarks include Darío Park, with its monument to Nicaragua’s famed poet Rubén Darío (see photograph ); the National Palace; the 20th-century cathedral; the Carlos Fonseca Memorial;and the Tower of Democracy . In 1952 the University of Managua became part of the National University of Nicaragua. Other universities are the Central American University (1961), the Polytechnical University of Nicaragua (1968; university status 1976), the National University of Engineering (1983), the American University (1992), and Redemptoris Mater Catholic University of Nicaragua (1992). Managua, the largest city in the country, is also its centre of commerce and culture .

It produces a variety of small manufactures, including processed meat, furniture, metal, and textiles, and it has an oil refinery. Coffee and cotton are the principal crops grown in the agricultural hinterland. The city has railroad and highway connections with the Pacific port of Corinto and with the cities of León and Granada. The Pan-American Highway and an international airport tie it to other Central and North American cities. The city is surrounded by rich agricultural lands devoted primarily to the cultivation of coffee, cotton, and corn (maize). The importance of sugarcane, rice, sorghum, cattle, and horses is decreasing. Pop. (2005) urban area, 908,892. Learn More in these related articles: A guide to Lake Nicaragua's islands - Lonely Planet A guide to Lake Nicaragua's islands Tips & articles Lonely Planet Writer Soon behemoth supertankers will be cutting through the natural beauty of Lago de Nicaragua , Central America 's largest lake. A Chinese businessman has signed a controversial deal with the Nicaraguan Government to build and manage a waterway three times the length of the Panama Canal .

Construction is due to begin at the end of 2014, so enjoy the tranquillity of the lake and its unspoilt islands while you can. The proposed Nicaragua Grand Canal, or the Interoceanic Canal of Nicaragua, will be an estimated 278km long and 64m wide, spanning the country from east to west, Pacific to Atlantic, including a 105km stretch through the lake. And it’s not just a waterway; the project will also include two locks, an artificial lake, several large-scale resorts, a free trade zone, cement plants and new roads. It’s set to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs and turn Nicaragua from one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere to one of the richest in Central America. The trade-off is wreaking environmental havoc, with the destruction of a massive swathe of pristine rainforest and wetlands, and the depletion of the country’s primary source of fresh water. Volcán Concepción, Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua.

Image by Chlaus Lotscher / Getty Isla de Ometepe The twin-coned volcanic island of Ometepe rises sublimely out of Lago de Nicaragua, a body of water so enormous that the Spanish conquistadors mistook it for the sea, until they saw their horses drinking from it and christened it La Mar Dulce, or the sweet sea. The world’s largest freshwater island was once home to the Nahuatl people – Ometepe means ‘two hills’ in their language – who fled the Aztecs in Mexico , and you can still find ancient petroglyphs dotted around the island. Today, there are two main settlements on either side of Volcán Concepción: Moyogalpa and the smaller and more alluring Altagracia, as well as several natural reserves, such as Chaco Verde. The island’s friendly inhabitants survive on fishing and farming, planting rice, corn and coffee, among other crops, on the volcanoes fertile slopes. They’re also turning their hand to ecotourism and staying at a family-run guesthouse is the perfect way to experience the island. You can get active, hiking, biking and kayaking.

Climb still-grumbling Volcán Concepción, with a steep, perfect cone rising to 1,610m, and the easier and muddier Volcán Maderas, whose slopes are lined with misty jungle and home to vociferous howler monkeys. Then kick back in a hammock or lounge on a lakeshore beach with a local beer or two, and watch the clouds wreath around the volcanoes’ peaks. Get there: There are several daily boats to Ometepe from San Jorge in Rivas province, as well as a twice-weekly ferry from Granada . Fisherman's daughter, Archipiélago de Solentiname, Nicaragua. Image by Margie Politzer / Getty Archipiélago de Solentiname Of the 36 verdant volcanic islands that make up this isolated archipelago in the south-eastern corner of Lage de Nicaragua, only four are inhabited – San Fernando, Mancarrón, La Venada and Mancarroncita – and all are without roads, electricity and running water.

The draw is their beauty and tranquillity, and the art – many of the islands’ 900 or so inhabitants combine farming and fishing with painting and woodcarving. Almost 50 years ago, they began to produce primitive art inspired by their daily struggle and the islands’ lush landscape with the help of a politician, poet and priest, Ernesto Cardenal. It’s a family affair. Visit them in their homes and you’ll find three or more generations living and working together, creating brightly coloured balsa-wood animals and paintings. But it hasn’t always been so tranquil; during the revolution that brought the Sandinistas to power in 1979, it was a hotbed of political activity. On Mancarrón, you can visit Cardenal’s cabin and church, with its pre-Colombian style altar and whitewashed walls decorated with the locals’ paintings, as well as a monument dedicated to five young men who died in the uprising.

Don’t miss a trip to Refugio de Vida Silvestre Los Guatuzos , a maze of waterways flanked by tropical forest teeming with wildlife, such as sloth and elusive jaguars, as well as almost 400 species of bird. Climb the vertigo-inducing steps to the aerial walkway for a monkey’s-eye view of the forest. Get there: La Costeña operates two small flights daily from Managua to San Carlos , from where you can take a panga, or motorised canoe. There are also irregular boat buses between the islands and San Carlos. Kayaking around Las Isletas, Nicaragua. Image by Adam Baker / Flickr CC BY 2.0 Las Isletas The 360 or so diminutive islands scattered around the lake about 20 kilometres south of colonial Granada, were created around 20,000 years ago, when Volcán Mombacho spectacularly erupted, spewing boulders, ash and molten lava into the lake.

The isletas come in all shapes and sizes, with a small community of fishermen living in ramshackle wooden houses, while an increasing number are being snapped up by wealthy Nicaraguans and foreign investors to house extravagant summer mansions or eco-friendly lodges. Many are home to nothing more than swaying palm trees and inquisitive capuchin monkeys. On land, you can explore the small, 18th-century Fortin de San Pablo, built by the Spanish conquistadors to protect Granada against marauding buccaneers. You can take a boat tour from Granada but the best way to explore the shallow channels around the isletas is by kayak. As you serenely glide through the calm water, you’ll be able to spy on the resident birds, such as cormorants, herons, parrots, hawks and vultures, as well as locals going about their daily lives, little changed for generations. It will give you a sense of the size of Lago de Nicaragua, along with picture-perfect views of the – now dormant – Volcán Mombacho at every turn.

What is the Largest Lake in Central America What is the Largest Lake in Central America 27 Nov, 2012 what is 0 Central America is generally regarded as the region between North America and South America. It is considered to be a subcontinent, rather than being a part of either continent. There are seven countries in this region called; Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Belize. Central America covers about 534,000 km2 (202,000 sq mi), which is just 0.1% of the Earth’s surface! Despite this fact, Central America is home to the 19th largest lake in the world (by area). Let’s find out the name of this lake and where it is located. What is the largest lake in Central America? The largest lake in Central America is Lake Nicaragua (Spanish: Lago de Nicaragua), also known as Cocibolca or Granada. Lake Nicaragua has a total surface area of 8,264 km2 (3,191 sq mi). The lake is not overly deep with a maximum depth of 26 m (85 ft).

It drains from west to east into the Caribbean Sea via the San Juan River. As the name suggests, Lake Nicaragua is located entirely within the country of Nicaragua. This lake is located in the southwest of the country close to the border with Costa Rica. Did you know? Nicaragua is also home to Lake Managua, which is the second largest lake in Central America. Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua are sometimes connected via the Tipitapa River. Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, lies on the southwestern shore of Lake Managua. Plans were once may to made a canal between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, the Panama canal was built instead and plans for the Nicaragua were put on hold. There have been attempts to get support for the Nicaragua canal since this time, but none have been successful. Related Articles A Nation's Character and its Geographic Terrain A Nation's Character and its Geographic Terrain Many times the imagery used in art draws heavily from a country's landscape. Volcanoes, lakes and tropical climate of Nicaragua characterize its art. The geographic terrain is part of the nation's character. Take a look at Lake Managua Where in the world is Nicaragua? Nicaragua is in the heart of Central America.

It is the largest country in Central America and it is a little larger than New York State. It is between 129,494 and 120,254 square kilometers. What does the Nicaraguan landscape look like? Nicaragua has many active volcanoes that range from the Golf de Fonsecas and Lake Nicaragua. There are two freshwater lakes in all of Central America and they are both in Nicaragua, they are Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua . There is a high incidence of earthquakes and volcanic activity in Nicaragua. What is the weather like? Nicaragua has many climates such as tropical rain forest and pine savannas. Between the Pacific lowlands and the Caribbean lowlands are the central highlands. Where are some of these murals found? There are murals throughout Nicaragua, but most of them are in the city San Carlos, the Island of Solentiname, the capital Managua and the city of Estelï¿½. For more cities and examples of murals in these locations click on the map.

{next} Lake Nicaragua | Nicaragua | ViaNica.com Lake Nicaragua Nicaragua » Themes » Lake Nicaragua Lake Nicaragua Nicaragua’s largest lake has several names: the indigenous tribes called it Cocibolca, the Spanish conquerors named it La Mar Dulce (the Sweet Sea), the people from Granada call it Lake Granada and it is nowadays generally known as Lake Nicaragua. The lake has a surface of 8,264 km², and it is located in the central southern part of the country. The oval-shaped lake is relatively uncontaminated, although some serious environmental issues pose a real threat for the lake’s future. Below follows an overview of some of the lake’s most interesting aspects, including its natural beauty, unique inhabitants, and ecological threats. Cocibolca: an imposing body of water The indigenous tribes who referred to the lake as Cocibolca (a nahautl word) have most likely used the lake for many practical purposes: the fish supplied food and the fresh water was used for cleaning and consumption. The lake’s water could also serve for irrigation, and the islands inside the lake offered a great, secluded area for living.

The Spanish conquerors who first saw the lake thought this immense body of water was a sea, for it has many oceanic qualities: large waves, heavy storms, and nothing but water at the horizon. The lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Latin America, has been an important link for many years between inland Nicaragua and the Caribbean Sea, and the colonial city of Granada located on the northwestern shore of the lake was the first Nicaraguan city to be established by Spanish conquerors in 1524. As transportation methods modernized the lake lost importance as strategic link between the Pacific and the Caribbean, but its natural beauty and environmental importance remain important qualities not only for Nicaragua but also for Central America. Lake Nicaragua is part of the largest international drainage basin of Central America, and together with Lake Managua and the San Juan River it forms a tectonic valley with an area of over 41,000 km². The lake itself is not very deep with an average depth of 13 meters. Rainfall and inflow from numerous rivers feed Lake Nicaragua; outflow only occurs at the San Juan River.

Despite being situated close to the Pacific Ocean (at some places there is only 20 kilometers between them), there is no direct connection between the lake and this ocean. The San Juan River, however, connects the lake with the Caribbean Sea, located over 100 kilometers west of Lake Nicaragua. Currently, there are four main port cities located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua: Granada, San Carlos, San Jorge, and San Miguelito. Despite the lake’s size and connections with the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific slope of Nicaragua, the transportation system is rather poorly developed. Islands and islets A volcanic chain cuts right through Lake Nicaragua, and this has resulted in the creation of many beautiful islands and groups of islets. Probably the most famous island is Ometepe , a 276 km² tropical island located 10 kilometers off the mainland at the western side of the lake. The island is composed of two volcanoes: Maderas and Concepción . These two impressive volcanoes are surrounded by fertile soil where nature abounds. For sport and adventure the island offers a great array of possibilities, including volcano hiking, biking, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

The tropical forests and natural reserves make it furthermore a great place for hikers and nature lovers. Tourism infrastructure is available; see also our Hotel and Restaurant Guides. Another volcanic island is situated not far away from Ometepe, and even closer to the mainland. Zapatera is the name of this island, and like Ometepe Island this was another indigenous sanctuary. Hundreds if not thousands of artifacts have been found here, and pre-Columbian statues and other objects from Zapatera are now on display at several museums. Official, thorough scientific investigations of these archeological objects have never taken place though, and the island remains fairly unexplored. A few small settlements are present at this rather undeveloped island. Some basic lodging possibilities offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the stunning beauty of the untouched nature, superb panoramic views, and rustic lifestyle of the inhabitants. More about lodging and activities can be found in our travel guides. In the same area a famous group of islets can be found: the Granada islets (isletas de Granada in Spanish).

Most likely formed by volcanic activity of the nearby Mombacho Volcano, the 365 islets vary significantly in size and are one of Granada’s principal attractions. They are located around the long, narrow Asese peninsula. A whole community lives on the islands, and boats obviously form the most important transportation method as houses, schools, and shops are spread out over many different islets. Some islets feature hotels or restaurants, and luxurious vacation houses on a private islet are also seen more and more often. The main activity at the islets is to rent a boat and take a tour among the Granada islets. Enjoying the tropical sun while cruising around palm-covered islets and observing spectacular views and beautiful birds is definitely a great holiday activity! Heading to the southeast corner of the lake there is another interesting group of islands worth a visit. The Solentiname archipelago consists of 36 islands, again with a volcanic origin. Some are inhabited; others are tree-covered, uninhabited bird and wildlife sanctuaries. The rustic communities living on various islands of the archipelago have dedicated themselves to creating a unique style of art.

The so-called primitive art consist of bright colors and simple shapes and figures, used in paintings and handicrafts . Not only does a visit to the archipelago offer a possibility to observe these artists at work, it also provides visitors a glimpse at the stunning beauty of the islands’ nature. Forested hills, spectacular wildlife, and an amazing variety of birds can all be found here. There is also some tourism infrastructure available at the Solentiname archipelago. Another interesting group of islands is found at the northeastern side of the lake. Here, in the department of Chontales, there is another island archipelago located not far from the shore. This archipelago, called Nancital, can be reached from the La Orqueta port in Acoyapa. Development of these islands is still in its early stage, and although interest is growing most islands house not much more but a small building, hut, or just trees and birds. Some islands are just for cattle grazing. Several house owners offer their place for rent to tourists. There are even more islands located in the lake due to the strong volcanic activity that has taken place in this area.

The other islands, however, are generally privately owned and can not be (easily) accessed by tourists. Nature in and around Lake Nicaragua Environmentally, Lake Nicaragua is a key element in the Nicaraguan landscape. Not only does the lake provide a habitat for spectacular aquatic wildlife, it is also an important water source for the vegetation located on the banks of the lake. With a perimeter of 425 kilometers there is plenty of coastline and several types of ecosystems can be found along the lake’s shores. To the south and southwest there is moist tropical forest, and tropical dry forest vegetates to the east, north, and west of Lake Nicaragua. Parts of this tropical dry forest, however, have been replaced by second-growth forest and agricultural land. There is dense vegetation at most islands and islets. This generally consists of tropical dry forest, but at the top of two volcanoes (Maderas on Ometepe Island and Mombacho on the shores of the lake, close to Granada) there is a unique ecosystem present. These are the only two places where cloud forest can be found on the Pacific side of Nicaragua, and the flora and fauna at both volcano peaks is definitely impressive. Thousands of different animal species live within Lake Nicaragua.

The most easily observable animals are birds that feed off the fish, plants, and water animals in the lake. Throughout the whole lake birds can be found, but they are especially abundant around the islands and islets. Wading birds like egrets and herons often graciously stand on the waterside, and large groups of cormorants can be seen hunting for fish or standing still in the sun, drying their plumage. Birds of prey like the hawks and kites also hunt around the lake. Hundreds of other bird species can be found in the area, but birders will find the greatest varieties and numbers of birds at places like Río Istián on Ometepe Island, around the Solentiname Archipelago, and at the Granada Islets. The uninterrupted water surface of Lake Nicaragua allows strong wind to build up as it reaches land. Particularly on the western shore of the lake strong winds can prevail, and it is due to this characteristic that several windmill projects are currently being investigated. Given Nicaragua’s dependability on oil imports for electricity production, such projects are certainly worth looking into, as they can lower electricity prices and create a more sustainable and less polluting source of energy.

With over 100 kilometers of windy lakeside, there are definitely many possibilities. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the nature in and around Lake Nicaragua is the wildlife living inside the lake. For hundreds if not thousands of years the lake has provided people living in the area an important source for fish. More than 40 different fish species live in Lake Nicaragua, including 16 species of cichlids. In a 1995 report scientists estimated native cichlids to constitute 58% of the lake’s biomass. They also noted that these species were the most heavily exploited so their share might have dropped since then. The lake’s most famous inhabitant, however, is the so-called freshwater shark. This shark, Carcharhinus leucas, is generally known as the Caribbean bull shark. The shark’s high tolerance of fresh water enabled the predator to adapt to the water of the San Juan River. This allowed the shark to travel up the river and even reach Lake Nicaragua. The sharks would go back and forth to the sea, though.

Over time, younger generations better and better adapted to the fresh water until the species was able to reproduce in fresh water, and there was no more need to travel back to the salty Caribbean waters. The freshwater shark became a permanent inhabitant of the San Juan River and Lake Nicaragua, and because of its aggressive behavior (the bull shark is known to attack people) local fishermen and inhabitants strongly feared this new resident. However, during the Somoza dynasty a shark-fin processing plant was built on the shores of the San Juan River. Thousands and thousands of sharks were caught and killed each year at this Japanese plant, and the shark population sharply declined. Nowadays, few sharks remain and this fish is no longer a feared predator in Lake Nicaragua. In fact, the animal has become more of a legendary figure that is often mentioned in reference to the lake without being actually seen anymore. The last media reports of a sighting date back to the year 2000, and although inhabitants of the San Juan River banks report to see sharks every now and then, there have been few recent scientific investigations and the shark population is considered to be virtually wiped out.

Other interesting but endangered fish include the big sawfish (Pristis perotteti) and the fine-toothed sawfish (Pristis pectinatus). The gaspar, another sawfish-like species, is traditionally eaten by Nicaraguans during the Holy Week celebrations. Ecological threats and environmental issues Despite the enormous ecosystem in and around the lake, despite being an important potential source for potable water and despite its large attraction for ecological and sustainable tourism Lake Nicaragua does face problems of contamination that could become much worse in the middle-long term (and some in the short term as well) if necessary steps to prevent so are not taken. Even though this situation has been publicly acknowledged by institutions, organizations, experts, and citizens there is not yet a national plan that addresses conservation of this beautiful lake. There are three principal contamination threats and although at this time all three of them can be controlled or eliminated it does require effort and commitment by all parties and authorities involved, as well as support of the population. The main problem and source of contamination for Lake Nicaragua are related to the discharge of wastewater that comes from the urban zones at the shores of the lake.

In spite of the clear contamination that results from this practice, large cities as Granada, Rivas and Juigalpa and many small towns still lead their sewage from residential areas but even from industrial zones to the lake (either directly or through a river that terminates in the lake). Consequently, coastal areas close to these urban centers have to deal with the waste that is not biodegradable which surfaces in front of the settlements. The second largest problem comes from the agricultural industry in the coastal areas. The fertile soil next to the lake provides a great site for cattle farming and plantations. In the departments of Chontales, Boaco and Rivas there are many places where people farm without protecting the lake whatsoever, leading to contamination with enormous quantities of fertilizers ending up in the water. Another even more important impact is caused by the nearby agricultural haciendas that contaminate the rivers flowing into the lake by the unprotected usage of chemicals at their plantations. This problem is mostly visible at the southern side of the lake on Nicaraguan territory but also on Costa Rican soil (as these rivers also terminate in Lake Nicaragua). The third problem is a controversial issue related to the recent introduction of new fish species inside floating cages in the lake.

Although the foreign firm that develops this project obtained the governmental permits and even though the fish breeding has already started, there has been strong disapproval by ecologists, social organizations and communities ever since the beginning. The problem, the critics point out, is that the huge quantity of Tilapia fish generates large waste quantities that the lake has to adsorb. The biologists also warn that the Tilapia might bring diseases that the endemic fish are not prepared for. What is currently necessary is implementation of measures by the national authorities to face the aforementioned problems and to prevent other problems that might threaten the lake in the future. Several organizations are already promoting the idea of preserving and protecting Lake Nicaragua, but so far these issues lack importance on the national agenda. In addition to the large tourism potential, the lake also has a potential to function as source for potable water for national use and export. The Centrum of Investigations of the Aquatic Resources (Centro de Investigación de los Recursos Acuáticos), CIRA-UNAN, indicates that the lake discharges 478 cubic meters of water per second through the San Juan River (registered by the Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies - INETER).

Per day this amounts to 41.3 million cubic meters. This water can become an important renewable source of income if commercialized. The CIRA therefore warns not to let companies and private producers contaminate the lake. At this moment the UNESCO has already received a petition from the Nicaraguan government to declare Lake Nicaragua World Heritage. The authorities and the hundreds of communities set around the lake have expressed their enthusiasm and hopefully the UNESCO will grant the request. But in order to protect the lake the national and local government, as well as every Nicaraguan citizen and foreigner that wants to enjoy this lake, should become involved and act in order to preserve this natural treasure! Managua | Define Managua at Dictionary.com Managua [muh-nah-gwuh; Spanish mah-nah-gwah] /məˈnɑ gwə; Spanish mɑˈnɑ gwɑ/ Spell Lake, a lake in W Nicaragua. 390 sq. mi. (1010 sq. km). 2. a city in and the capital of Nicaragua, in the W part, on Lake Managua. Nicaragua a republic in Central America. 57,143 sq. mi.

(148,000 sq. km). Capital: Managua. 2. Lake. Spanish Lago de Nicaragua . a lake in SW Nicaragua. 92 miles (148 km) long; 34 miles (55 km) wide; 3060 sq. mi. (7925 sq. km). Related forms Examples from the Web for Managua Expand Contemporary Examples The Diamond Club in Managua prides itself on being the classiest strip club in all of central America. By-Ways of War James Jeffrey Roche Managua is a modern city, with many flourishing industries and a rapidly growing population. British Dictionary definitions for Managua Expand noun 1. the capital of Nicaragua, on the S shore of Lake Managua: chosen as capital in 1857. Pop: 1 159 000 (2005 est) 2. Lake Managua, a lake in W Nicaragua: drains into Lake Nicaragua by the Tipitapa River. Length: 61 km (38 miles). Width: about 26 km (16 miles) Nicaragua noun 1.

a republic in Central America, on the Caribbean and the Pacific: colonized by the Spanish from the 1520s; gained independence in 1821 and was annexed by Mexico, becoming a republic in 1838. Official language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: córdoba. Capital: Managua. Pop: 5 788 531 (2013 est). Area: 131 812 sq km (50 893 sq miles) 2. Lake Nicaragua, a lake in SW Nicaragua, separated from the Pacific by an isthmus 19 km (12 miles) wide: the largest lake in Central America. Area: 8264 sq km (3191 sq miles) Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.

1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for Managua Expand Nicaragua visited 1522 by Spanish conquistador Gil González Dávila, who is said to have named it for a local native chieftain, Nicarao. Related: Nicaraguan. Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Expand Nicaragua [(nik-uh-rah-gwuh)] Republic in Central America , bordered by Honduras to the northwest and north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, Costa Rica to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. Its capital and largest city is Managua. Note: General Anastasio Somoza established a military dictatorship in 1933. He was assassinated in 1956, but his sons continued the Somoza regime until 1979.

Note: After fifty years of guerrilla warfare , the Marxist Sandinistas launched a civil war and assumed power in 1979. Note: During the 1980s, the United States backed anti-Sandinista guerrillas called Contras (see Iran-Contra Affair ). In 1990, the Sandinistas were defeated in free elections. In 1995, and again in 2001, opponents of the Sandinistas won elections to the nation's presidency. The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Question: Lake Managua is a large lake in which Central American country?
Answer: NICARAGUA